Decorum.
[Domestic.] [Ruth, John A. and C.S. Snyder] Decorum: A Practical Treatise on Etiquette and Dress of the best American Society. Chicago: J.A. Ruth & Co., 1878.
8vo.; offsetting pp. 14-15; decorative dark blue cloth stamped in black; gilt decoration and cameo pastedown to front board; edgewear;
A scarce canvassing book for a standard work of 19th century American etiquette, Decorum, which made its debut in 1877 and was sold by subscription. It continued in various editions under Ruth’s imprint and others. Canvassing books, or “salesman’s samples,” were used in the 19th century by door-to-door agents in areas with limited bookstore access. A typical canvassing book consisted of approximately a chapter of the actual book followed by pages of promotional text and subscription leaves for magazines or newspapers. This copy is unusual in that it contains the entire text of the book (352pp.) followed by three leaves of promotional text and ads. It ends with ca. 25 blank leaves (half lined notebook paper, half solid lilac-colored), in which a previous owner filled six of the pages with handwritten cooking recipes, including: “lemon jelley,” “rice & apple pudding,” “poached eggs,” and “fruit sauce.”
The subject of this edition of Deocorum is devoted to the American woman’s understanding of courtship, conduct, conversation, and dress, drawn “largely from all the best available authorities on the subject,” in belief that ‘the combined thoughts and observations of the best thinkers and writers, would be far more valuable than anything emanating from the pen of any one person.” It includes a guide to social manners, entertaining, etiquette, manners for the street, for riding and driving, for travelling, for courtship and marriage, etc. Though the book has male authors, the preface is quick to thank “those ladies who so kindly and materially assisted in the preparation of the chapters on the toilette [and] dress…”
(#13320)
Print Inquire
